The Trump administration moves to reclassify cannabis

April 23, 2026

An article summarized by Axios:

President Trump’s acting attorney general has ordered the reclassification of FDA-approved and state-licensed marijuana from a Schedule I drug to Schedule III, marking a significant shift in federal drug policy. The move is aimed at making it easier to study marijuana’s medical uses and expand access to research, while also signaling growing federal openness to its potential health benefits.

The Justice Department, led by Todd Blanche, also announced an expedited process to consider broader rescheduling of marijuana across the board, with hearings set to begin June 29th. Officials say the change will reduce regulatory barriers, allowing for more rigorous scientific research and helping doctors make better-informed treatment decisions. However, the reclassification does not legalize marijuana at the federal level or affect existing criminal sentences.

Previously categorized alongside drugs like heroin and LSD, marijuana’s shift to Schedule III places it closer to substances like ketamine and certain steroids, reflecting its recognized medical applications and lower abuse risk. The move builds on earlier efforts to reform cannabis policy and responds to demand from patients and advocates seeking expanded access to medical treatments.